Shock absorbers KYB or KONI

Well, I'm sure you could just buy a set of Koni's for ohh I dunno around $1000-1200 installed...

i had Konis, then Bilsteins, then KYB AGX on my 2004 jetta 1.8T. I liked the KYB AGX a lot, had no complaints. I kept stock springs.

To the OP, though the mfg recommends against using the AGX with lowering springs I have been very very happy with them on my MK IV wagon. Ride quality is basically OEM only becoming slightly harsher on MAJOR impacts ie, big ass potholes, NJ quality expansion joints. And this is with H&R Sports mind you.

I have H&R sports, koni yellows and live in Edmonton (which anyone will tell you has worse winters than toronto ). As far as winter driving is concerned, I haven't had an issue with ride height at all. Koni yellows on full soft with the H&R sports gives a nice controlled ride, slightly on the firm side, but nice.

I was able to tighten the top of the shocks down using this method http://www.purems.com/products/page.php?pageKey=23 It stopped them from making noise and solved the problem with my hood.

I did a 1,5 drop with H&R springs and koni yellows this spring and that works just fine for me.

MJM Autohaus is where I got my Koni adjustables and Neuspeed Sports a year ago- dropped me about 1.8" all around and the ride is sublime!

I have the same knocking sound. It has lessened since I had the Konis out for adjustment though.

i run brand new VW rear shocks with my H&R springs. i'm running KYB gas in the front. i'm very happy with them.

While you could also try Koni yellows after you rebuild the suspension, in my experience they would not be the best choice for ride comfort on rough roads because the bump dampening is NOT adjustable, (nor is the Koni reds), and the yellow dampening rates are tailored more towards track use than the reds.